a big laugh in your face rejection from republicans over the obama administration's opening negotiation on the fiscal cliff. we're going to take to steny hoyer about what this means for talks from here. and he's defending susan rice and his fellow republicans hammer away at her. former presidential candidate ambassador jon huntsman is going to join us to explain all this. and the best part about this, abby huntsman, his daughter, is going to be on the panel. kind of like their first joint appearance. we're saying ever. we have to fact check that. but we're making history this morning. plus russell simmons bringing art to kids in urban areas. why he's so passion about this cause. and this is a picture everyone on the planet is talking about. the cop who warmed the hears of everyone who's seen this photo, he's going to join us. that and much more coming up on "starting point." it's like 15 minutes away. it's friday. what could be better? >> that is a sharpie, not a pen. thought i'd correct you. >> 44 minutes past the hour. people on the west coast bracing for the threat of flooding and mu